Irish Brown Soda Bread

W H Y T H I S R E C I P E W O R K S

Our take on Irish brown soda bread combines a high proportion of whole- wheat our with extra wheat germ and bran to produce a rustic loaf with nutty avor and an appropriately coarse crumb. We balanced the strong wheat avor with white our and a touch of sugar. The addition of baking powder (a complete leavening system) guaranteed a nicely risen loaf, while baking soda was more valuable for the characteristic mineral-y tang that it lends to soda breads. Acidic buttermilk also contributed welcome avor. Finally, to produce a loaf with pleasing stature, we baked the soft dough in a cake pan rather than free-form.

I N G R E D I E N T S I N S T R U C T I O N S M A K E S O N E 8 - I N C H L O A F

2 cups (11 ounces) whole-wheat flour Our favorite whole-wheat our is King Arthur Premium. To ensure the best avor, use fresh whole-wheat our. Wheat bran can be found at natural foods stores or in 1 cup (5 ounces) all-purpose flour the baking aisle of your supermarket. This bread is best when served on the day it is 1 cup wheat bran made, but leftovers can be wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 2 days. ¼ cup wheat germ 1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease 2 teaspoons sugar 8-inch round cake pan. Whisk whole-wheat our, all-purpose our, wheat bran, 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder wheat germ, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in medium bowl. 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda 2. Add buttermilk and stir with rubber spatula until all our is moistened and dough 1 teaspoon salt forms soft, ragged mass. Transfer dough to counter and gently shape into 6-inch 2 cups buttermilk round (surface will be craggy). Using serrated knife, cut ½-inch-deep cross about 5 inches long on top of loaf. Transfer to prepared pan. Bake until loaf is lightly browned and center registers 185 degrees, 40 to 45 minutes, rotating pan halfway through baking.

3. Invert loaf onto wire rack. Reinvert loaf and let cool for at least 1 hour. Slice and serve.